A lifesaving anniversary

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "A lifesaving anniversary"

James Kelly
6 years ago
Views:

urr ou w yyo Finddoouutt hhoow (Name), fin lp!

We couldn t do it without you! New Zealand s first sea rescue service was created way back in 1898. Others followed, often in response to a local tragedy.

Tragic events such as the 1968 Wahine disaster showed that there was a desperate need to get organised nationally.

1 urr ou w yyo Finddoouutt hhoow (Name), fin lp!! d doonnaatitioonnsshheelp Coastguard Supporter Newsletter I Winter 2016 A lifesaving anniversary This year, Royal New Zealand Coastguard celebrates 40 years of nationwide service. We couldn t do it without you! New Zealand s first sea rescue service was created way back in Others followed, often in response to a local tragedy. Locals would raise funds for a boat, or use their own boats, and embark on the risky and unpredictable business of saving lives at sea. But making ends meet was a constant challenge. Tragic events such as the 1968 Wahine disaster showed that there was a desperate need to get organised nationally. Volunteers decided to share resources, learn from each other and work together, and in 1976, they formally came together under one flag, to form what is now known as the Royal New Zealand Coastguard. In forty years, Coastguard has developed into a truly national search and rescue service, with volunteers on standby in many popular boating locations. Since the very first search and rescue service started in New Zealand, supporters like you have made it all possible. We ve come a long way in the last 40 years, thanks to your support and together we ll save lives at sea long into the future too Coastguard radio operator Bob Trail in 1982, wrapped in a blanket after being called out in the middle of a chilly night. Continued Thank you for answering our Mayday! See inside...

Continued from first page 1976-2016: We ve come a long way, thanks to you!

Here are just some of the things that Coastguard has achieved, thanks to your support: Wellington Sea Rescue Service Wellington s first ever rescue boat.

Saving lives at sea, all over New Zealand By 1976, locals had been volunteering out of the kindness of their hearts and knew their marine environment like the backs of their hands.

This resulted in a dramatic increase in new lifesaving services around the country. In 1976 there were 24 Coastguard crews in New Zealand; today, that number has grown to 64.

The ideal situation would be that boaties didn t get into trouble in the first place. So, from the early days, education and training have been part of the services that Coastguard units offer.

In 1986, 500-600 boaties took Coastguard courses and last year almost 10,000 did so!

2 Continued from first page : We ve come a long way, thanks to you! In forty years, Coastguard has developed into a national search and rescue service with volunteers on call in many popular boating locations. Here are just some of the things that Coastguard has achieved, thanks to your support: Wellington Sea Rescue Service Wellington s first ever rescue boat. Prince Charles on his second royal visit to New Zealand in Saving lives at sea, all over New Zealand By 1976, locals had been volunteering out of the kindness of their hearts and knew their marine environment like the backs of their hands. However, funding and training volunteers was always a key challenge. Uniting under a national flag meant new units received much more support as they set up their operations. This resulted in a dramatic increase in new lifesaving services around the country. In 1976 there were 24 Coastguard crews in New Zealand; today, that number has grown to The start of an explosion in boating courses Right from the beginning, Coastguard volunteers recognised that they and their rescue boats were the ambulances at the bottom of the cliff. The ideal situation would be that boaties didn t get into trouble in the first place. So, from the early days, education and training have been part of the services that Coastguard units offer. The formation of a national body in 1976 saw a dramatic increase in the number of boaties taking Coastguard courses. In 1986, boaties took Coastguard courses and last year almost 10,000 did so! 1980s Radio communications play a key role in saving lives at sea Radio communications have become increasingly important for search and rescue organisations, to keep in contact both with recreational boats and with other rescue craft. But during the 1980s, many Coastguard volunteers were still running radio communications from their houses, listening through the night at home. Technology in the communications room has changed hugely and it is now, apart from defence organisations, one of the best set-ups in the southern hemisphere. A radio operator talking to skippers and crew out on their boats The Royal nod In 1985 we became the Royal New Zealand Coastguard Federation and Prince Charles became our patron. Coastguard s first air patrol taking flight in The launch of Coastguard s eyes in the sky In March 1991 the first Coastguard Air Patrol took off to help with search and rescue from the skies. It meant survivors could be located faster Broadcasting current weather conditions In 1992 we launched the Nowcasting service. Rather than simply broadcasting a forecast, recording instruments were set up on several points in the Auckland Harbour, constantly transmitting current weather data to boaties. Today there are a network of weather stations across New Zealand, a service Coastguard provides to help keep boaties safe at sea. To this day: Public support is still vital Two things have not changed in the course of our history. Firstly, our search and rescue services have always been run by committed volunteers. Secondly, we have always been reliant on your generosity to save lives at sea. Your support provides vital funding to keep over 2,200 volunteers equipped, trained, and ready to save lives at sea. You are vital to our success story. Thank you for your support!

Meet Coastguardian Chas Strange Chas is typical of our valuable Coastguard supporters: adventurous, resourceful and caring.

For 27 years he s been a live-aboarder and his vessel Twilight can usually be found in the Whangaroa Harbour.

Chas and his boat are a familiar sight around Whangaroa Harbour. Chas recommends the wonderful lifestyle of being a live-aboarder.

Chas recently told us of his fantastic decision to leave a gift to Coastguard in his Will.

I admire them and always have admired them. I have been a Coastguard member for many, many years and it s a pleasure to make a bequest.

3 Meet Coastguardian Chas Strange Chas is typical of our valuable Coastguard supporters: adventurous, resourceful and caring. His first flotilla was made out of totara fence posts when he was a boy in the King Country. For 27 years he s been a live-aboarder and his vessel Twilight can usually be found in the Whangaroa Harbour. Over his lifetime this adventurous old sailor has built nine vessels himself, some to his own design, and his most recent boat Twilight was launched just three years ago. Chas and his boat are a familiar sight around Whangaroa Harbour. Chas recommends the wonderful lifestyle of being a live-aboarder. Having recently celebrated a significant birthday, Chas told us living aboard keeps you young, fit and healthy old age is wonderful when you consider the alternative! Chas recently told us of his fantastic decision to leave a gift to Coastguard in his Will. Volunteers are dedicated people, putting themselves out for people who are in peril or distress on the sea; really, they put these people ahead of themselves in a very unselfish manner. I admire them and always have admired them. I have been a Coastguard member for many, many years and it s a pleasure to make a bequest. Bob Kidd and Judy Worden, who both volunteer for Coastguard Whangaroa and know Chas personally, held a special presentation evening for him at Whangaroa Sport Fishing Club. Chas, sailor, supporter and Coastguardian: knowing the Coastguard is always there, it s a very comforting thought. Judy was able to award Chas with the very special Coastguardian pin (see main photo). She said, Chas is part of the Whangaroa family... he s a bit of an icon around the place. It was a wonderful opportunity for Coastguard to acknowledge and thank Chas personally for his generous and lifesaving gift. At becoming one of our very special Coastguardians, Chas said, Initially I was a little overwhelmed, but when presented with the pin I was really quite chuffed about it and will wear it with pride. Thank you Chas for being a great bloke and a loyal Coastguard supporter. If this is something you might consider or you just want to find out more, with no obligation, please use the coupon opposite to request a copy of our bequest brochure. Chas has written a book which tells of his many sailing adventures around New Zealand. The very special Coastguardian pin. have been a Coastguard Imember for many, many, years and it s a pleasure to make a bequest. Coastguardian Chas Strange It takes considerable funds to train and equip our volunteer crews. Lives depend on their skills and we need to find $5,000 to fund their training each week. A gift in your Will, big or small, could help pay for wet weather gear, life jackets, safety equipment, rescue vessels and training that ensure our crews are able to respond swiftly in a crisis and with equipment that is fit for purpose. Gifts in Wills enable our Kiwi heroes to continue saving lives at sea. Chas can often been seen around Whangaroa Harbour on his live-aboard vessel Twilight.

Thanks to your support this year we have raised enough to cover volunteer training costs for winter a huge success!

4 Thank you for answering our Mayday! Coastguard s Mayday Appeal has drawn to a close and we want to take a moment to THANK YOU! Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated by our volunteer crews, providing them with search and rescue training so that they are prepared and ready when they are needed most. Thanks to your support this year we have raised enough to cover volunteer training costs for winter a huge success! This is why you are so important to Coastguard and why we are so grateful for your help. Your donation to Coastguard s annual MayDay Rescue Appeal is crucial to help give our devoted volunteers the critical skills they need to rescue people like you. Volunteer training is a year-round expense for us. If you would like to donate and help save lives at sea please use the form or donate at Thank you again. Tear along dotted line and detach Yes, I would like to donate to Coastguard heroes today! Please write or update your name and address Please accept my gift of: Please charge my: n $20 n $50 n $100 n Visa n Mastercard n $20 each month (Credit card only) n AMEX n Diners Card number n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n Expiry n n / n n Name on Card: Signature: n I enclose a cheque, made payable to Coastguard New Zealand Leaving a gift in your Will to Coastguard... n I have made a donation using online banking: Royal New Zealand Coastguard Inc ACC. No: Particulars: Surname Reference: WinterSOS Code: ContactID n I have donated online at Donations $5 and over are tax deductable If you would like to know more about leaving a gift in your Will that will support Coastguard into the future then please tick one of the following. There is no better way to support our volunteer heroes to continue to save lives at sea. n Please send me a booklet about how I can leave Coastguard a gift in my Will n I have already included Coastguard in my Will n I intend to include Coastguard in my Will n I would welcome the opportunity to speak to someone about the best way to help Coastguard through a gift in my Will Please return this form to: COASTGUARD NEW ZEALAND PO Box 33559, Takapuna Auckland 0740, New Zealand T: (09) F: (09) SOS - Winter

If you re a boatie, get ready for this year s VHF Channel changes.

Coastguard or listen to Nowcasting* updates will be changing on 1 October, so make sure you or

nz/boating-safely to find out what your local Coastguard/Nowcasting VHF channels will be

* Nowcasting is a real-time weather information service, providing current wind speeds and

Just a few months ago, Coastguard launched a National Membership scheme for boaties anywhere in

Boaties get peace of mind every time they hit the water, knowing that when the unexpected

From a simple jump-start to a full-blown emergency, we re you re best mates out on the water.

information benefits to help you get the most out of your boating.

The membership is to you, the person, so covers you no matter what boat you re on.

nz National Membership Get Your Ship Sorted with Coastguard National Membership We are SO lucky

The sea is an integral part of our lives, so Coastguard s work - whether in rescue, education or

Giving to Team Rescue each month is a great way to support Coastguard.

5 If you re a boatie, get ready for this year s VHF Channel changes. Maritime VHF radio channels are changing on 1 October The VHF channels boaties use to contact Coastguard or listen to Nowcasting* updates will be changing on 1 October, so make sure you or any boaties you know are prepared! Visit to find out what your local Coastguard/Nowcasting VHF channels will be changing to. Note that the existing marine Channel 16 used for distress purposes will not change. * Nowcasting is a real-time weather information service, providing current wind speeds and directions at popular boating locations throughout New Zealand. Just a few months ago, Coastguard launched a National Membership scheme for boaties anywhere in the country. Boaties get peace of mind every time they hit the water, knowing that when the unexpected happens, we re there. From a simple jump-start to a full-blown emergency, we re you re best mates out on the water. Individual Membership gives you free assists, together with a wide range of safety and information benefits to help you get the most out of your boating. It covers you, your partner and any dependants up to the age of 18. The membership is to you, the person, so covers you no matter what boat you re on. To sign up see National Membership Get Your Ship Sorted with Coastguard National Membership We are SO lucky that many of you support Coastguard with a monthly gift - thank you! We re a maritime nation. The sea is an integral part of our lives, so Coastguard s work - whether in rescue, education or advocacy - is of utmost importance. Giving to Team Rescue each month is a great way to support Coastguard. It s affordable and an effective way to give a little back each month and you can choose any amount that suits you (many people choose $20). You can change your donation amount at any time. Plus, claiming a tax credit for monthly donations is made easier, as you receive an annual donation receipt in April. A monthly donation helps us through the cold winter months and the frantic summer boating season. Get on board with Team Rescue today and support the charity saving lives at sea! You can sign up online at teamrescue or choose monthly donation on the donation form in this newsletter.

Thanks for supporting our award-winning volunteers Our volunteers achieve great things thanks to your support, which

Each receiving an NZSAR Certificate of Achievement (Operational Activity): Five Coastguard Volunteers recently received

President, senior operational crew, and led the construction of the unit s rescue vessel, Eastpack Rescue.

6 Thanks for supporting our award-winning volunteers Our volunteers achieve great things thanks to your support, which provides training, equipment and rescue gear for all 2,240 of them. Each receiving an NZSAR Certificate of Achievement (Operational Activity): Five Coastguard Volunteers recently received awards from the New Zealand Search & Rescue Council, recognising the feats they achieve and the sustained effort they put in to save lives at sea. Steve Binns and Gregor Staley from Coastguard Mackenzie Lakes rescued and recovered a group of 11 kayakers in serious trouble on Lake Tekapo. Each receiving an NZSAR Certificate of Achievement (Support Activity) Shane Beech from Coastguard Maketu is Unit President, senior operational crew, and led the construction of the unit s rescue vessel, Eastpack Rescue. Murray Miskelly from Coastguard Northland Air Patrol has contributed over 200 volunteer hours and participated in every unit training operation. Lynn Stuart of Coastguard Wanaka Lakes runs his unit s induction programme and carries out maintenance and repairs on rescue assets. Thank you so much for helping our heroes save lives at sea! Royal New Zealand Coastguard Inc is the charity saving lives at sea Charity Registration No CC Coastguard New Zealand PO Box 33559, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand T: (09) F: (09) E: info@coastguard.nz W: Patrick Holmes Chief Executive Officer Coastguard New Zealand

P.M. THURSDAY, 4 June hours

P.M. THURSDAY, 4 June hours GCSE 150/02 ENGLISH FOUNDATION TIER PAPER 2 P.M. THURSDAY, 4 June 2009 2 hours ADDITIONAL MATERIALS Resource Material for use with Section A. A 12 page answer book. INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Answer all